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Mozambique

Mozambique Driving Advice and Car Hire Info

Driving In Mozambique
Mozambique drives on the left . The road network is improving but is still a long way short of European standards. 4WD is not normally necessary on many of the main tourist routes including Maputo to Vilankulos and roads between Nampula,Nacala, Isle de Mocambique and Pemba. Also the road from Tete to Harare is Ok.However a heavy rainstorm can have big impacts on all the roads so after rain its best to check local conditions before setting off. Drinking and driving is common as is driving at excessive speed on poor roads. Accidents are common and tree branches on the road denote a hazard ahead, slow down and expect the unexpected if you see branches. Locals (and animals will wander in the road), even on the main North/South Highway and will have little concept of things like stopping distances so you should always be on your guard when passing them. Maputo is generally not too bad to navigate but if unsure, ask the rental company to drive you to/ collect you from the outskirts and they’ll usually oblige.

To see some footage of driving on Mozambiques main EN1 road, check out my channel on YouTube.

Updated – Dec 13 – There has been an outbreak of unrest between the Renamo rebel group and Government forces centred on the central Sofala province, and vehicled travelling on the EN1 road in the area have been attacked. Most governments now advise against all travel to or through Sofala province.There have also been reports of violent clashes between government forces and Renamo in Manica and Nampula provinces, and an armed attack on a civilian vehicle travelling along the E8 road between Nampula and Malema. However, word from Mozambique seems to suggest that areas to the North and South remain unaffected, though travel between the regions, through Sofala is to be avoided.

http://www.selfdrivesa.com/Mozambique Self Drive Rules –
Sixt allow cars to be taken to South Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe and Malawi but don’t allow one way rentals.Hertz don’t allow vehicles to be taken out of Maputo or Beira which makes renting one a bit of a futile exercise! Europcar seem to allow vehicles to be taken out of the country but don’t specify to where.